Veteran sports writer Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and its racing site, ThatsRacin.com. In this space, Jim writes about all things NASCAR and other forms of racing which may also be relevant ... or not.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Leadership lessons don't always have to come from traditional places like the military and football. New perspectives for bosses also flow from jazz and rock climbing. The chiefs can use the different angles to ease their pressure. A University of Michigan study reveals a CEO's average tenure is down to 3.5 years vs. 9.5 years just a decade ago. That's courtesy of Bob Parsanko and Paul Heagen, authors of "The Leader's Climb." They also see Nascar and golf as leadership incubation centers.

One morning practice session of less than three hours and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is already sold on the 2013 version of the car which will be used in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series.

Tuesday's test at Charlotte Motor Speedway was the first time Earnhardt had been behind the wheel of one of the cars, which will feature much more manufacturer identity.

"I think the car has really awesome potential and I like it already leaps and bounds beyond the COT," Earnhardt said. "This car really gives me a lot of sensations that are similar to the old car that we ran 10 years ago.

"Just personally, I didn't really like the car for what it was. The (new) cars that you see in the garage, you'll stand there and you'll see Fords and Toyotas and Chevrolets driving by and it's great because everything looks different and everything is recognizable.

"That's a great feeling for me. I can appreciate the cars for that fact."

Earnhardt also believes the cars drive better, at least from his brief experience behind the wheel.

"They feel like they have a ton more downforce.That could change in different weather conditions, but it's a promising start," he said. "Today is feeling good and driving good and I think that there is good potential."